While we call it “classic,” our Classic Desert Experience is anything but ordinary. This is the kind of Sahara adventure that travelers dream of—but we’ve taken every detail and elevated it with our signature warmth, care, and authenticity to make it truly unique and unforgettable. Whether you arrive with your own vehicle, your private driver, or wish for us to arrange transportation for you, we’ll make sure your journey begins with ease. Be sure to check the “Get There” section of our site for all the ways to reach us. Upon arrival at the camp, you’ll be welcomed with the warmest Berber hospitality—a refreshing glass of mint tea or lemon juice, sipped slowly as you take in the wide-open dunes stretching out in every direction. We’ll give you a gentle tour of the camp, walk you through the experience ahead, and show you to your tent so you can settle in, unpack, and perhaps indulge in a hot shower to wash off the dust of the road.
Once you’ve had time to unwind, the sunset magic begins. Your camel guide will be waiting to lead you across the soft, golden dunes. Each guest receives their own camel, and together you’ll trek deeper into the quiet of the Sahara, where the only sounds are the soft footfalls in the sand and the occasional desert breeze. As the sun begins to descend, you’ll climb one of the taller dunes and settle in to witness a scene so beautiful it almost doesn’t seem real—the sky shifts from orange to pink to deep violet, the dunes begin to glow, and for a few perfect moments, time slows down. After the sun disappears behind the horizon, you’ll ride your camels back to the camp under the twilight sky. If you’d like, another hot shower awaits, followed by a chance to freshen up and change for dinner.
Dinner is a highlight of the evening and is always lovingly prepared by our local chef, who puts a personal twist on traditional Moroccan cuisine. Depending on the season and the weather, we may serve dinner inside our cozy restaurant tent, or if the sky is clear, outside under the stars, where the flicker of candlelight blends with the shimmer of the Milky Way. And when the plates are cleared and the teapots refilled, it’s time to gather around the campfire. You’ll be invited to enjoy traditional music performed by our desert team—drums, clapping, rhythm, joy—or even to join in, adding your own beat to the night. The warmth of the fire, the laughter, the timeless rhythm of the music, and the feeling of being surrounded by millions of stars—this is the true heart of the Sahara.
In the morning, don’t miss the chance to wake up early and climb a dune to watch the sunrise. The desert at dawn is peaceful and pure, the light slowly creeping over the horizon and bringing the dunes to life once again. A delicious breakfast prepared by our chef awaits you, made with fresh local ingredients and Berber love. If your schedule allows, we always recommend adding a second night to your stay—you won’t regret it. With more time, you can join us for the “tour around the dunes”, visiting fossil sites, discovering ancient minerals, meeting local nomad families, and stopping by Khamliya village, where the descendants of former slaves preserve and share their beautiful Gnawa music over a cup of desert tea. You can also visit the nearby town of Rissani and explore its lively traditional market, or stop by Erfoud’s fossil workshops to learn more about the ancient seas that once covered this land. In the afternoon, climb a different dune or ride with a camel once more to enjoy a second unforgettable sunset—new angle, new light, same timeless magic.
Whether you stay one night or two, our Classic Desert Experience is designed to feel authentic, warm, and deeply personal—a journey into the soul of the Sahara that lingers in your heart long after your footprints have been swept away by the wind.
